Main Entry: ¹shaft

Pronunciation: \ˈshaft\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural shafts \ˈshaf(t)s, for 1b usually ˈshavz\

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sceaft; akin to Old High German scaft shaft, Latin scapus shaft, stalk, Greek skēptesthai to prop oneself, lean

Date: before 12th century

1 a (1) : the long handle of a spear or similar weapon (2) : spear, lance b or plural shaves \ˈshavz\ : pole; specifically : either of two long pieces of wood between which a horse is hitched to a vehicle c (1) : an arrow especially for a longbow (2) : the body or stem of an arrow extending from the nock to the head
2 : a sharply delineated beam of light shining through an opening
3 : something suggestive of the shaft of a spear or arrow especially in long slender cylindrical form: as a : the trunk of a tree b : the cylindrical pillar between the capital and the base c : the handle of a tool or instrument (as a golf club) d : a commonly cylindrical bar used to support rotating pieces or to transmit power or motion by rotation e : the stem or central axis of a feather f : the upright member of a cross especially below the arms g : the cylindrical part of a long bone between the enlarged ends h : a small architectural column (as at each side of a doorway) i : a column, obelisk, or other spire-shaped or columnar monument j : a vertical or inclined opening of uniform and limited cross section made for finding or mining ore, raising water, or ventilating underground workings (as in a cave) k : the part of a hair that is visible above the surface of the skin l : a vertical opening or passage through the floors of a building
4 a : a projectile thrown like a spear or shot like an arrow b : a scornful, satirical, or pithily critical remark or attack c : harsh or unfair treatment —usually used with the <gave them the shaft>